Bamidele bags Ekiti NUJ most distinguished award

By Oyeola Olusola, IIJ

For his contributions to the development of the country and growth of democracy, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents’ Chapel, Ekiti State Council, has garlanded the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, with the Most Distinguished Democrat of the Year Award .

Speaking at the event held at the Prosperous Royal Hotels and Resort in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, the Chairman, Ekiti NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Victor Ogunje, said Senator Bamidele was being honoured for his relentless supports for the growth of democracy and mentorship for the members of the NUJ in the State.

He said: “Bamidele has always been for us and always ready anytime he is called upon by the chapel and NUJ as a body.

“Senator Bamidele is a man of his words and indeed a promise keeper of our generation, who would always answer the calls of the chapel anytime they needed his help. He is a free giver and a lover of the press feeedom”.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in the 9th Assembly, represented by the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Hon. Bunmi Oguntuase, appreciated all the members of the chapel and Ekiti NUJ in particular for the leadership award bestowed on him.

He said : “On behalf of my principal, I want to thank you all for recognizing him as a worthy partner of the Ekiti body of journalism”.

In his lecture entitled: “Ekiti Politics and Challenge of Leadership”, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, charged the leaders to take positive and concrete action to build the country’s democracy by not paying lip service to the concept of development .

He said: ”politics is a clean game, but there are some, if not many, dirty people in the clean game. In the game of politics, there is room for review and structures are put in place to guide the players in following the rules and maintain the standard. Strong structure is better and greater than strong people. Strong people can phase out, but strong structures last longer than strong people.

“For the smooth running of their country’s governance, people must make sure that the best candidates in the midst of other candidates are voted for in view of the promotion of good and efficient governance. Good and efficient governance must never be traded for anything and in this case, there is no room for mediocrities.

“For year 2022 and 2023 elections in Ekiti State and Nigeria respectively, all well-meaning Ekiti people and Nigerians need to speak with one voice and act together in our sincere and purposeful search for great, true, selfless and purposeful leadership, rather than allowing a cabal to keep running our country; all in the name of leading or ruling”.

The annual lecture saw dignitaries like Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, Engr. Segun Oni, former governor of Ekiti State, represented by former Commissioner of Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, Hon. Femi Bamisile, Prof. Edward Olanipekun and Chief Benedict Ajayi , being decorated with honours.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion are: Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the Chairman, Ekiti NUJ, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, among others.